On April 20, firefighters were called to an apartment complex in the 4800 block of Ray Bon Drive to extinguish a 2-alarm fire. In all, 28 units responded to the fire, which significantly damaged the building, according to Garcia's arrest affidavit.

Investigators quickly determined that the fire was caused by incendiary device.

Garcia was identified as the suspect after a witness told arson investigators that he recognized her and saw her throw an object into her ex-boyfriend's apartment. Moment's later, a fire broke out and quickly spread through the building.